So maybe, just maybe, the Latest Flight Possible wasn’t the best idea, Gentle Reader.
I booked it because a) cheaper, and b) it puts me in London around the time of check-in for my Air B&B. Having arrived early abroad and having had hotels not ready to check in is a bit of a nightmare after an overseas trip, when all you want is a shower and to brush your teeth. Air B&Bs seemed particularly difficult, because there’s only the one place you’ve booked.
BUT.
But, I’m a Ball Of Stress, and even a decompression in bed with the pups didn’t fully calm me down. I just want to get this going already, get settled and begin. I’ve been planning this trip for over a year (I had originally thought to go in January, but several of the archives would have been closed).
I start Monday at the British Library, one of my favorite places on earth. I’m settling in the rare books reading room with my materials, and I just love the reading nooks, the desks, the lamps, all of it. It’s a welcoming space, a gracious space, and I can’t wait to get started. All of my materials for Monday are on the crinoline. When I’ve read through those, I’ll request more (you can only request 10 at a time).
Some things I’m looking forward to:
- Researching. Let’s face it: I’m a nerd. I love what I do, and working in the archives is when I feel the most alive in my scholarship. I’ll be working with texts, textiles, and ephemera, at 8 different collections, archives, museums, and libraries.
- The toast. No one, NO ONE, makes toast like the British.
- Fun afternoon tea time. Cream teas, afternoon teas, just a cuppa and something sweet, all the walking means you get all the carbs. It’s the perfect pick-me-up.
- Takeaway. Oh Lord, I will eat my share of Indian takeaway.
- Finding the Yorkshire Burrito food cart. I’m determined.
- Seeing friends! Meeting two dear friends for funsies!
- Being in a flat. I’m SO HAPPY I’m not in a traditional hotel. Being able to make my own breakfast, pack a lunch if I choose, all of those simple things will be so lovely when I’m staying there for two weeks.
- Ireland weekend. After finding out I was over 40% Irish (thanks, 23andme!), I decided to head for a vacay weekend to Dublin.
The Postmodern Bluestocking 